Dangers of Laser Skin Tightening

For many people, appearance is important. We want to look good in the eyes of others, and ourselves, which starts with our skin. There are tons of products on the market that claim that they will give you younger, firmer skin. What they don't tell you is that it can take years to see substantial results, and some of the products are harmful. More and more people, particularly women, are turning to laser skin-tightening procedures, but most women are not fully informed of the dangers that are possible with these advancements in technology. There are three main laser tightening systems, and you need to know the risks associated with each.

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Why You Need to Know the Risks

Although there are always changes in technology that present new systems for laser skin tightening, as well as upgrades to existing ones, there are three main systems that are used in the cosmetic surgery profession. These three systems each have their own potential benefits because of the way that they work. The risks associated with these procedures, however, are extremely important. It can help you make an educated decision, but it can also prepare you for what can happen.

Fraxel

The Fraxel system uses microscopic lasers targeted on the dermis, which consists of the layers of skin just under the surface epidermis. This laser makes tiny wounds in the dermis layers to trigger the natural healing abilities of your body. This, in turn, triggers the production of elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen are the two producers that are responsible for renewing skin cells and maintaining youthful, tight skin.

Titan

The Titan system uses an infrared laser. Similar to the Fraxel system, the Titan laser is used to penetrate into the layers of the skin and heat them up. It is also used with the concept of triggering the growth of new skin cells, but instead of collagen production, the goal is to expand, or contract, the existing collagen. This then triggers new collagen growth.

Thermage

The Thermage system is a little different, in terms of structure, than the other two laser skin tightening treatments. Thermage uses a radiofrequency device called Thermacool to reach the dermis and subcutaneous skin layers. It uses heat for stimulating collagen growth.

The Dangers

There are many risks associated with each of these three procedures. General side effects include redness, swelling and blistering. More serious dangers have occurred as well. These dangers include burns, bruising, skin denting, changes to skin pigmentation, open sores, infections and permanent scarring. Rare instances have shown pinpoint bleeding and fluid oozing are also possible.